Cocoa and I finally arrived at the park and headed straight for the field, which we were thankfulthat not many kids go to. They’re too interested in the monkey bars or the swings to care about the calming sensation the field has on people.

 

Whenever I’m there, all my worries seem to float away. Cocoa had invited me here earlier, but it was delayed. It’s now mid-afternoon, so the sun’s just passed overhead and the wind had reached the perfect breeze point.

 

“Man, I love coming,” I say enthusiastically, collapsing on to my back on the ground and spreading out my arms. Cocoa just stared at me and smiled.

 

I then quickly sit back up, cross my legs and place my hands on my knees, giving her my full attention. “So what were they arguing about?”

 

Cocoa fidgeted around for a few seconds after I asked her, like she was almost trying to ignore the question. It was a hard subject for her and one I tried to avoid whenever possible, for her sake. Only when she brought it up would I openly question it.

Once she settled down, she began to tell me.

 

“Well, it started after I told my mom what classes I was taking, and my dad overheard,” she whispers, recalling the events from this morning.

 

“You will not take those classes!” My dad burst out. “You are taking business and leadership preparation!”

 

It was early morning and dad was just about ready to head off to work. Before that however, he overheard my mom and I talking from behind the wall to the kitchen about how well I’ve been doing in school, which infuriated him and caused an outburst from deep within him. He wasn’t intentionally listening, but happened to piece together the last part of our conversation.

 

“Dear, she’s entitled to her own-“ my mom starts but is cut off.

 

“She’s to take over the family business! It has been that way for generations and will continue to be that way. Son or daughter matters not. It is their obligation to follow in their parent’s footstep.”

 

I sat at the opposite side of the table from my mom. I wanted to speak up against my dad and defend her, but he’d always cut me off every time and I’ve never had the courage to do so to get him to stop. But I had to be strong for my mom, because my dad’s broken her will more than once, and if she saw him hurting me, physically or mentally, I don’t think she’d be able to take it.

 

“Now I need to head off to work. We will finish this conversation later tonight.”

 

And without another word he left the kitchen and wentout the front door.

 

“He means well, Lilly.” Even though my mom has heard my nickname used more than my biological name, she still goes by my biological name. “He just worries about your future, but I fear he values that future more than your own. I’ll be happy with whatever you choose to do, but I don’t want you hurt in the process.”

 

“I’ll be all right mom,” I tell her, trying to calm her down. “I have Random and some other friends from school. They’ll help me when I need them. I know they will. I just worry about you and dad.”

 

That helped put a smile on her face. I’m glad she could still smile, even with everything she’s been through.

 

Coming back to the present, Cocoa looked up at me.

 

“That’s when my dad stepped back in because he forgot something and they began arguing once more. I couldn’t’ take it and fled far from it. That’s when I called you.”

 

She shifted to the side, pulling her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.

 

“Only problem is, it feels like it’s been getting worse. My dad just doesn’t let up. He ended up arguing about a future for me from what I could hear as I left. He doesn’t even care about the future I want… About my happiness…”

 

Tears began to develop in Cocoa’s eyes. She sat there surrounded by flowers with the saddest expression I’ve ever seen on her face. I felt really bad for her, having parents who were fighting more often than not. But I couldn’t completely understand the connection she shared, not really remembering the one I had with my parents.

 

“I’m sorry, Cocoa…” I whisper, wanting to cry myself.

 

“It’s okay, Random. I’m just glad you were here with me and were willing to listen. I’m glad that I have someone to confide in who won’t judge me.”

 

“Anytime,” I tell her reassuringly. I’m always here to lend her an ear, because not many do for her, even though she does countless things for them.

 

The next hour goes by pretty quickly as we talk about the random things at school. From classes to teachers to students to functions, it’s all a lot to handle.

Once she finally calmed down though it was easy to get her back into her cheery mood. I hate seeing her so down, but I’m glad I can make her happy. She’s helped make my life here 10 times easier, so it’s only right to show the same back to her.

 

“You’re a great friend,” Cocoa whispers. “You’re always there, always happy to help. Smart, happy, beautiful. I envy you sometimes, Random.”

 

Wow, that was a first. I always thought I was the envious one, even though I tried not to show it. Cocoa truly had what I didn’t, and yet here she was, praising me for what I had and what I’ve done. I had to turn away at the comment because I think she turned my cheeks a bright, warm red.

 

“You all right, Random?”

 

“Y-Yeah, thanks Cocoa.”

 

“For what?” she asks, confused.

 

I just shook my head with a smile then stood up to help her up so we could head home. We’ve spent enough time here, and I was starting to get hungry. Her rumbling stomach proved that she was hungry as well. We chuckled and then headed for Devios Pizza Palace before heading home. In my opinion, they have the best pizza around. Whole wheat dough, light crust, savory sauce and toppings like you wouldn’t believe.

We left there stuffed and parted ways back home. Her dad was probably still at work by now and I needed to get back to work on my project. Tipsy probably missed me, too.

 

When I reached the front poach however, I find someone quite unexpected. Sitting there at just over 6 feet with shaggy brown hair and blue eyes to rival the ocean itself was Cody Belkin. I nearly froze in place as he stared at me, blushing. I must have been a mess from lying in the field. Why is it that I feel the need to look beautiful around him?

 

“Sorry if I’m intruding,” he apologizes then quickly walks over to me. His voice is just dreamy.

 

“N-No, it’s okay. But, how did you know where I live?”

 

“Remember what I told you before in class? ‘I notice you a lot’. Don’t worry, I’m not a stalker,” he throws in quickly. “That and I don’t live too far from here and saw you walking down this way once or twice before. I just kinda figured you lived out here.”

 

How am I so lucky to get one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met to notice me.

 

“So what do you want to ask me? I’m assuming you wanted to ask me something or you wouldn’t have been just sitting out here doing nothing.”

 

“Oh, right. I was wondering if you wanted to go out to eat tomorrow afternoon at Oodles of Noodles.”

 

Good ol’ Oodles of Noodles. That pasta and salad place has been serving pasta and salad here long before I arrived. I’ve only been there twice, but both times were very satisfactory. It was a little on the fancy side, and dare I say pricey, but if Cody wanted to take me there, I’d have no objections. I’d be able to get my project done tonight and be ready for tomorrow.

 

“I’d be delighted.” Did I ever speak like that before?

 

“Great. I’ll come by around 6 pm then.” He started to walk away, turning around only to say, “See you tomorrow.”

 

Once he was clear of my street, I fell to my knees due to how light headed I just felt. Did I just get asked to go on a date with the most amazing man I’ve ever seen or met? I couldn’t believe how my day has been going. Even when I was able to stand and head back inside, I couldn’t focus on my project because the only thing on my mind was the inevitable date with Cody.

 

That night did not go how I thought it would. I couldn’t focus on my project at all and could barely fall asleep. But when I did, I didn’t have any nightmares that I could recall. If anything, I was thankful for that. I needed a peaceful sleep, not more memories of my parent’s abandoning me.

 

I must have slept more peacefully than I thought, since it was going on to 11 am before I woke up. After rubbing my eyes and having them adjust to the sunlight, I grabbed my robe and headed for the shower. Once in the tub, I turned the water on and let my body get used to the warm temperature. Afterwards, I push wash and rinse to let the soap soak through my hair and down my body, scrubbing it as I do, before rinsing it off. Afterwards, I step out and stand in front of the mirror and push the brush button on the wall, allowing it to brush my hair.

 

“A date…” I whisper at the reflection of myself. “When was the last time I was asked out on a date?”

 

Tipsy walks through the sliding door at this point, overhearing my last comment.

 

“You’ve never been on a date before, Miss Dadalian. But you look very beautiful and ready for one right now, even in your robe.”

 

“I’m ONLY in my robe, Tipsy,” emphasizing heavily on robe. I was NOT going to go in just my robe. On the way back to my room, I lean down to pet her and tell her thank you for the comment before heading back to change.

 

Looking through my dresser, I pull out a few shirts and pants that I think look nice. After slipping on my bra and underwear, I search through the shirts for something nice. “My aqua blue tank top would look good, but it looks a bit cloudy today and cold.” I toss it back on the bed and grab my crimson red blouse. “Maybe this? Or even this? Oh, I can’t think!” I shriek, plopping back onto the bed. What am I even supposed to wear on a date?

 

Undecided, I get up and head over to the window to look out at the clouds in the sky. It must be nice, just floating on by, not a care on their mind. Drifting onward randomly through the sea of electricity. Sighing, I turn back around toward my clothes, surprised to see Tipsy sitting on top of them with my favorite navy blue tank top and red cardigan, light blue jeans and dark red, heeled boots all lined up in front of her.

 

“Perhaps this is more fitting for a date?”

 

“You always know what to pull out,” I comment, petting her. She then curls up on my bed while I slip into the clothes she picked out then left, letting her purr confidently about the clothes she picked for me.

 

I decided to head to the field to clear my mind for a few hours. I needed to try and calm myself down before going on my date; I didn’t want to say something stupid. I’ve never been nervous about anything, as nothing could easily make me nervous. But this? This just happened to be one of them.

 

Once there, I sit down and begin to mutter to myself.

 

“I hope you two are watching me, wherever you are. This is the first date I’ve ever been on, and with one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met. I think you would’ve approved of him dad and maybe you too, mom. He’s in my metalwork’s class and even though I just met him two days ago, he seems nice enough. He’s going to be taking me to Oodles of Noodles for dinner tonight.”

 

Taking a deep breath, I stand back up. “About time to head on back.”

 

By the time I get home, it’s five till 6 pm and I’m standing outside waiting for Cody to show up. My heart beats faster and faster with each passing second and for some time I think he’s just going to stand me up, that it was all a lie.

 

That maybe I’d been imagining it this whole time. But almost like a punctual mad man, he shows up immediately at 6 pm, wearing a black collared shirt and dark blue jeans with black shoes. He was the most amazing looking man ever.

 

“I hope I’m not late,” he comments, eying me up and down.

 

“N-No, you’re right on time,” I reply, blushing lightly.

 

“Good, let’s go.”

 

Reaching for my hand, I take his and we head to Oodles of Noodles together, talking about school and our hobbies along the way.

 

It turns out he’s very interesting to talk to. In fact, right where he lives is across the street from the shop. When he wasn’t at school or working part time, he worked on his own metals, constructing various new ones and finding more uses for older ones. He also bikes for an hour every day, mainly to test out his new, as he calls them, “masterpieces”.

 

“After you,” he waves, holding the door for me.

 

Once inside, we are greeted and seated almost immediately. It turns out he made reservations a few days ago. Could he be any more perfect?

 

“I’ll be right back with your drinks,” the waiter says cheerfully then walks off.

 

“So what do you think?” Cody asks, catching me off guard.

 

“It’s great. You made reservations in advance. What if I said no?”

 

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t. I’ve been thinking of asking you here for a while now, and the opening of the metalwork’s class gave me the perfect opportunity. Thank you,” he quickly adds, taking his drink from the waitress.

 

Taking out her notebook and pen, she cast a glance between us. “Are you two ready to order?”

 

“Yes,” Cody speaks up.“I’ll have the house special and a garden salad. Random, what would you like?” Cody asks, turning toward me.

 

“Um, can I try the 5-cheese pasta special and get a Caesar salad?”

 

“Certainly,” she said then then wandered off.

 

“So how long have you lived here, Random? I don’t remember seeing you back when are school was smaller than what it is right now.”

 

Hesitant to tell him about my past as I’ve only recently met him, I try to find a way to string together my words so I give an answer without leaving something out.

 

“I’ve only recently come here during the first cycle of high school, a little over 3 years ago.”

 

“Really? That’s cool. I’ve lived here most of my life, so I know the place pretty well, even this pasta place. My dad is friends with the manager here, which is how I was able to get us a reserved spot with such a short notice. My dad also fixed a major problem here involving the pipes. We’ve had good standings with them for a variety of things.”

 

Wow, I never thought he and his family was so involved.

 

“By the way, you look beautiful,” he comments, smiling. That smile could take my breath away any day. “Also, why do you wear gloves? Every time I see you your hands are covered.”

 

Think Random, think. “It’s kind of a weird obsession,” I tell him, hoping he doesn’t think I’m too weird.

 

“That’s cool, everyone has something that-“ His phone vibrates before he finishes. “Hold on once second.”

 

He flips it open, reads the message then quickly flips it closed. “Damn!” he curses under his breath. He probably meant for me not to hear it, but I caught wind of it anyway. Whatever the message was, it caused him to quickly rise from his seat, nearly knocking it over.

 

“I got to go, Random. I’m really sorry,” he exclaims, slapping down a 20 and a 10 dollar bill.

 

The waitress appeared with our food a few minutes after he rushed out the door. She set the food down then looked from the empty seat back to me with a confused look on her face.

 

“Is he coming back?”

 

“I don’t think so…” I whisper quietly to myself, my appetite fading away.

 

And that brings us back to class. I didn’t see Cody again that day, and went straight home without eating. I didn’t even tell Cocoa what happened. I barely got any sleep that night as well, and when I did, it was nightmare city.

I was hoping I’d see Cody again today, but before my mind could wander any further, Aurora turned toward me and uttered 6 words that made me cringe.

 

“Aren’t we gonna have fun together.”